Page 137 - A Soldiers Exposition

You may focus on memories that are less upsetting before talking about worse ones. This is called
"desensitization," and it allows you to deal with bad memories a little bit at a time. Your therapist also may
ask you to remember a lot of bad memories at once. This is called "flooding," and it helps you learn not to
feel overwhelmed.

You also may practice different ways to relax when you're having a stressful memory. Breathing exercises
are sometimes used for this.

What is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another type of therapy for PTSD. Like other
kinds of counseling, it can help change how you react to memories of your trauma.

While thinking of or talking about your memories, you'll focus on other stimuli like eye movements, hand
taps, and sounds. For example, your therapist will move his or her hand near your face, and you'll follow
this movement with your eyes.

Experts are still learning how EMDR works. Studies have shown that it may help you have fewer PTSD
symptoms. But research also suggests that the eye movements are not a necessary part of the treatment.

Medication:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medicine. These can help
you feel less sad and worried. They appear to be helpful, and for some people, they are very effective.
SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (such as Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).

Chemicals in your brain affect the way you feel. For example, when you have depression you may not
have enough of a chemical called serotonin. SSRIs raise the level of serotonin in your brain.

There are other medications that have been used with some success. Talk to your doctor about which
medications are right for you.

Other types of treatment:

Some other kinds of counseling may be helpful in your recovery. However, more evidence is needed to
support these types of treatment for PTSD.

Group therapy:

Many people want to talk about their trauma with others who have had similar experiences.

In group therapy, you talk with a group of people who also have been through a trauma and who have
PTSD. Sharing your story with others may help you feel more comfortable talking about your trauma. This
can help you cope with your symptoms, memories, and other parts of your life.